No. 1 Tide Holds Off Gators 31-29 In Thrilling SEC Opener

Tuscaloosa AL

18 September, 2021

7:08 PM

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GAINESVILLE, FLORIDA — The No. 1 Alabama Crimson Tide staved off a late surge by the No. 13 Florida Gators Saturday as the Tide opened SEC play on the road with a 31-29 win in The Swamp. Click here to subscribe to our free Tuscaloosa Daily newsletter and breaking news alerts Alabama By The Numbers Total yards: 331 Turnovers: 0 First downs: 19 Time of possession: 28:10 Florida By The Numbers Total yards: 439 Turnovers: 1 First downs: 26 Time of possession: 31:50 Here are the stat lines and stories we are following Florida scored with a little more than 3 minutes left in the fourth quarter and was forced to go for two to tie the game, but came up short on a failed read-option play. After jumping out to a 21-3 lead to end the first quarter, the Gators would outscore the Tide 26-10 and out-gain their visitors for the rest of the ballgame. Sophomore quarterback Bryce Young went 22-f0r-35, tossing for 240 yards and 3 scores with no interceptions. The early-season Heisman Trophy favorite now has seven passing touchdowns on the season and has not thrown an interception. The ball was spread around to the receiving corps, with eight different players snagging passings. Jase McClellan, Jahleel Billingsley and Brian Robinson Jr. each had touchdown receptions. Robinson, a product of Hillcrest High School in Tuscaloosa, led the Crimson Tide on the ground, carrying the ball 15 times for 78 yards and a rushing score, in addition to his 7-yard receiving touchdown. Receiver John Metchie III led the Crimson Tide offense in catches, with 6 for 49 yards. Jameson Williams came away with the most receiving yards on the night, grabbing 4 catches for 61 yards. Jalyn Armour-Davis, a junior defensive back from Mobile, made his first career interception for the Crimson Tide on Saturday. Kicker Will Reichard was perfect on extra point attempts and made his lone field goal attempt of the afternoon from 24 yards. No. 1 Alabama (3-0) will host Southern Miss (1-1) next Saturday, Sept. 25 at Bryant-Denny Stadium in Tuscaloosa. Kickoff for that game is set for 6:30 p.m. Southern Miss is set to kick off against Troy at 6 p.m. Saturday. Have a news tip or suggestion on how I can improve Tuscaloosa Patch? Maybe you're interested in having your business become one of the latest sponsors for Tuscaloosa Patch? Email all inquiries to me at [email protected].